March 17, 1997

(At the initiative of Congressman Tom Lantos, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's March 10 statement for this year has been placed in the United States Congressional Record. Given below is the introductory remarks made by Congressman Lantos in the House of Representatives on March 10, 1997. By Bhuchung K Tsering)

Hon. Tom Lantos of California in the House of Representatives Monday, March 10, 1997

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, today March 10th marks the 38th anniversary of the Tibetan people's national uprising. It was on this day in 1959 that the people of Tibet, chaffing under a decade of repressive Chinese Communist rule and brutal occupation, rose up in a violent rebellion against the Chinese. It was a cry of a people whose religious institutions, whose educational institutions, and whose very way of life were being systematically destroyed.

The Chinese Government responded with savage brutality. Thousands were killed. Some 100,000 Tibetans fled their homeland and were given refuge in India and Nepal. Among those who were forced to flee their homeland was His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Since 1959 the Dalai lama has lived in India, where he has continued to speak out and work on behalf of the people of Tibet those still living in Tibet under Chinese rule and those in exile in India and elsewhere. Despite the violence and repression that he and his people have suffered, the Dalai Lama has become a voice for peace and nonviolence. In recognition of this outstanding contribution, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Mr. Speaker, as we mark today the 38th anniversary of the Tibetan people's national uprising, I ask that the statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama be placed in the RECORD. I urge my colleagues to read it. This gentle man of peace has again spoke with great wisdom, great force, and great integrity. His message is one that is important for all of us to understand.

(His Holiness's statement is reproduced thereafter).